Deer Park Program

Since its beginning, Deer Park has drawn immense inspiration from classical Indian universities like Nalanda, Vikramshila and Taxila, where the pursuit of knowledge was motivated by the urge for truth, harmony with nature and a quest to reach the depths of both the external and inner worlds. Where the degrees were a reputation of integrity and wisdom that won the hearts and minds of kings, warriors and scholars alike, across continents. Where the entire project of study and contemplation was guided by the intent to transcend the physical world and its afflictions. Where knowledge was qualified by the benefit it brought, not by fame or riches.

In accordance with the ancient Indian tradition of presenting education free of charge, all courses at Deer Park are offered gratis (with the exception of a few specialized healing workshops, for which we request a small donation for materials supplied). All the Institute’s programs are supported by the donations of individuals and organizations.

To date, all our teachers and other educators have contributed their services on a voluntary basis. This has led to a rewarding experience of sharing for both sides, though our goal is to be able to employ full-time residential faculty, as well as to offer stipends for visiting teachers and scholars, to help ensure program and scheduling consistency.

Since opening, Deer Park has hosted teachings, seminaries and workshops by great teachers, both monastics and lay people, scholars and meditation masters of all lineages of classical Indian Buddhist traditions, both Sanskrit and Pali, which took root in Tibet, Japan, Burma, etc. Other schools of Indian philosophical thought are now being incorporated into the curriculum as well. Several successful Sanskrit and Tibetan multi-week language courses have been held, as have workshops on arts and healing.